Young Israel Philharmonic Orchestra Opens Summer Season at Jerusalem Theatre

Young Israel Philharmonic Orchestra Opens Summer Season at Jerusalem Theatre

Thursday, the 20th of July, marked the first performance by the members of the Young Israel Philharmonic Orchestra following their summer intensive study at the Ben Shemen Youth Village, in which the students are taught by top musicians and conductors from both Israel and abroad. The Young Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (YIPO), part of the Jerusalem Music Centre, is the country’s premier orchestra for exceptionally talented musicians aged 14-18. The performance was held in the Henry Crown Music Hall of the Jerusalem Theatre and featured two brief pieces performed by a junior orchestra, followed by two longer performances by the YIPO.

Opening the main performance was a composition by Franz Schubert, Symphony no. 8 in B minor, D.759 (unfinished). The first movement begins quietly and deeply, layering the sections of the orchestra while building towards a crescendo before delving back into the lower notes. The second movement is slower and begins delicately, interspersed with more forceful moments, only to recede into the quieter themes of the piece.

This was followed by Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony no.5 in D minor, op.47. The first movement features a poignant violin solo, while the final movement is heavy with the sounds of the percussion section. The symphony showcased the outstanding abilities of the orchestra, which gave a multidimensional performance that did full justice to the composition.

The concert reflected the dedication of these young people and the strength of the programme in which they participate. The Jerusalem Foundation is proud to partner with friends from around the world in nurturing Jerusalem’s next generation of musicians, including the Lazoff Family, and the Goldman Family, which supports the David Goldman Programme for some of YIPO’s most outstanding players.

More information on the YIPO can be found at the website of the Jerusalem Music Centre: jmc.org.il.